When this privacy notice applies
Participants of the Bonded Medical Program may apply for an extension of time to complete their Return of Service Obligation (RoSO) if they, or a member of their family, have a medical condition that prevents them from completing their RoSO within the statutory timeframe.
This privacy notice applies to family members when a participant applies for such an extension under section 124ZF(3) of the Health Insurance Act 1973 (the Act).
Participants of the Bonded Medical Program are bound by Part VD of the Act and must abide by the Health Insurance (Bonded Medical Program) Rule 2020 (the Rule).
Information and evidence required are outlined in section 13 of the Rule.
This notice explains how we (the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing) manage personal information to meet our obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
Information we collect
We collect your personal information with your consent or where otherwise permitted by legislation.
We may collect information and evidence to establish a medical condition as outlined in section 13 of the Rule. Section 12 of the Rule sets out who is considered a family member for the purposes of an extension request, including close relatives and certain other relatives where the participant has significant care responsibilities. The program participant must provide evidence of your medical condition from your treating practitioner.
In certain circumstances, we may collect personal information about you that is collected by other Australian Government, state and territory government agencies, or other entities.
We take reasonable steps to notify you, or ensure you are aware, of relevant collection matters as per the Australian Privacy Principles. This includes:
- the fact and circumstances of collection
- whether collection is required or authorised by law
- why we collect the information
- who we disclose it to.
Why we collect this information
We use this information to determine whether a member of a participant’s family has a medical condition that will prevent the participant from meeting their obligations.
How we collect this information
Program participants may provide information to us through our web platform, the Bonded Return of Service System, by email or phone.
Who we disclose your personal information to
Your personal information will not be disclosed to any other person, body or agency unless:
- you give us permission
- it is authorised or required by law
- it meets one of the other exceptions in the Australian Privacy Principles.
- it is otherwise permitted under Part VD of the Act.
How we store your information
We store and manage your personal information in accordance with the department’s record management policies and security requirements. We comply with Australian Government security policies such as the:
- Attorney-General Department’s Protective Security Policy Framework
- Department of Defence’s Information Security Manual.
Only authorised department staff can access personal information stored by us. Security features protect it from unauthorised access.
How we handle sensitive information
Sensitive information may include health information about you provided by a Bonded participant to support their participation in the program. We only collect sensitive information about you where:
- it is reasonably necessary to assess the program participant’s application for an extension of time
- you have consented
- the collection is otherwise required or authorised by law.
We take reasonable steps to protect sensitive information from misuse, interference, loss, and unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. Access is limited to people who need the information to perform their duties.
For example, the sensitive information that we collect may include, but is not limited to:
- information about your relationship to the program participant to establish that you are a family member for the purposes of an extension request under section 12 of the Rule
- your medical history where relevant to support an extension or evidential requirements for establishing a medical condition as per section 13 of the Rule
How you can access or correct your information
Your information is being collected by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. To find out more about privacy enquiries, request access or correct your personal information please email the bondedmedicalprogram@health.gov.au. Our privacy policy explains how we comply with the Privacy Act 1988.
Concerns and complaints
Our privacy policy explains how you can make a complaint if you think we have breached:
The privacy policy also explains how we will manage your complaint.
More on privacy
Our Privacy Policy provides detailed information about our personal information handling practices, including:
- the kinds of personal information that we collect and hold
- how we collect and hold your personal information
- the purpose for which we collect, hold, use and disclose your personal information
- personal information that may be disclosed to overseas recipients
- how you can contact us if you want to access or correct personal information that we hold about you
- how you can complain about a breach of the Privacy Act 1988 and how we will respond to your complaint.
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